𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 • 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯

nine

Grayson wakes up the next morning with Ethan's scent all over him. He smiles at the familiar smell before getting up and walking downstairs.

His parents are talking in the kitchen over coffee. They sound stressed.

"We can't just leave him alone for a week." Lisa argues.

"Well why don't we bring him?" Sean questions.

Grayson enters the kitchen not letting them continue without him.

"Bring me where?" He asks as they jolt looking towards him. They exchange looks before his dad gets up and walks towards him.

"I have to meet with a patient back in New Jersey, it's urgent and they requested me personally." His dad explains.

"Your mom insists on going with me." He adds.

"But we can't leave you here alone." Lisa cuts him off.

"So would you like to go with u-" Sean asks.

"You guys go. I'll be fine." Grayson cuts them both off calmly. "It'll only be a week."

"What about school?" Lisa asks.

"My friend can take me." Grayson insures.

"Okay." Sean agrees with a nod.

"But I want to meet this friend before we leave."

"If your mom agrees then you can stay." Sean states looking at Lisa.

"Fine." Lisa smiles. "You're eighteen, your growing up. This should be alright?" She asks in disbelief.

"Yes, Mom." Grayson says rolling his eyes with a smile at their unnecessary worrying.

He goes upstairs to call Ethan and tell him about his situation.

"Hi." Grayson greets with a smile.

"Hey, Gray." Ethan says through the phone.

"My parents are leaving tomorrow for a week and with them being gone I'm going to need a ride so I was wondering if..." Grayson trails off.

"Yeah?" Ethan encourages.

"I was wondering if you could take me to school until they get back?" Grayson finally asks.

"Well... I guess if I have to." Ethan teases. Grayson can practically hear the smirk on his face.

"Okay thanks." Grayson says gratefully.

"Also, something else." Grayson adds tensing up.

"What?"

"My Dad wants to meet you later today." He says ironically.

"B-but you know I already met your dad right?" Ethan asks.

"We literally meet every week for my therapy." He says making fun of Grayson.

"I know Ethan!" Grayson suddenly snaps making Ethan laugh obnoxiously.

"I told him my new friend will drive me to school, he doesn't know it's you." Grayson crosses him arms getting to the point.

"hmm... so who is this 'new friend'" Ethan teases, not quitting his act.

"Should I be worried?" He asks.

"Stop, I'm being serious." Grayson groans getting frustrated.

"Okay, Okay." Ethan laughs.

"I'll go over later and we'll just tell him we're 'friends' if your not comfortable telling him anything more." Ethan finally states.